A Lively Experiment Podcast

A Lively Experiment is a weekly News & Politics program on Rhode Island PBS. Tune in each Friday at 7:00 pm for new episodes regarding the political climate in Rhode Island.

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This week on A Lively Experiment, Providence schools face a financial crisis with no easy answers. Plus, President-elect Trump moves quickly to fill cabinet positions and raises eyebrows along the way. Moderator Jim Hummel is joined by National Committeewoman of the RI GOP Sue Cienki, Harrison Tuttle of Black Lives Matter RI PAC, and Providence College Political Science Professor, Adam Myers.

This week on A Lively Experiment: what a second Trump Administration looks like; Rhode Island’s Senate leader keeps his seat; and a lead attorney quits the Washington Bridge case. Moderator Jim Hummel is joined by attorney and former Chief of Staff to Governor Almond, Joe Larisa; Brown University Political Science Professor, Wendy Schiller; and Bill Bartholomew of The Bartholomewtown Podcast.

This week on a Lively Experiment: no fire but plenty of smoke even after Governor McKee is cleared of charges in the ILO investigation. The controversy continues in a war of words. Plus, an even longer timeline for the Washington Bridge? Moderator Jim Hummel is joined by former Rhode Island Attorney General Arlene Violet, Ken Block of Watchdog Rhode Island, and Boston Globe Columnist Dan McGowan.

This week on a Lively Experiment, a change order more than doubles the cost of the Washington Bridge replacement. Plus, a look at local political races. And is using AI in school cheating? Moderator Jim Hummel is joined by Republican Strategist Lisa Pelosi, Providence Journal State House reporter Patrick Anderson, and Boston Glober Reporter and Rhode Island Weekly contributor Steph Machado.

his week on a Lively Experiment, state officials answer the public’s questions about the Washington Bridge and outline a pushed-back timetable. Plus, rising friction between Providence and the state over school funding. Moderator Jim Hummel is joined by former Cranston mayor Allan Fung, Rhode Island Current reporter Nancy Lavin and former chair of the Rhode Island Democratic Party Bill Lynch.

This week on A Lively Experiment, a new poll reveals where local election officials stand with Rhode Islanders. Plus, the state Board of Election responds to election process concerns. We’ll also hear the local take on the Vice-Presidential debate. Moderator Jim Hummel is joined by Political Contributor Scott MacKay, URI Political Science Professor Emily Lynch, and GOP Strategist Jesus Solorio.

This week on A Lively Experiment, the response to a computer hack in the Providence School system. Plus, when can we really expect the Washington Bridge to be fixed? And in North Kingstown, the fight to retain a controversial seawall. Moderator Jim Hummel is joined by Providence Journal reporter Antonia Noori Farzan, Rhode Island GOP Chairman Joe Powers, and political contributor Pablo Rodriguez.

This week on A Lively Experiment, the Washington Bridge saga takes a turn when crews are told to stop working to preserve evidence. What does that mean for commuters? Plus, local analysis of the presidential race. Moderator Jim Hummel is joined by Boston Globe reporter Steph Machado, Democratic Strategist Rob Horowitz, and attorney and former Governor Almond’s Chief of Staff, Rob Horowitz.


This week on A Lively Experiment, the local take on the Presidential Debate, low voter turnout in Rhode Island’s primary races, and news on a few fronts about the troubled Washington Bridge. Joining moderator Jim Hummel for Outrages and Kudos are political contributor Don Roach, Rhode Island GOP National Committeewoman Sue Cienki, and Political Contributor Bob Walsh.

This week on A Lively Experiment, the state extends its takeover of Providence schools by 3 years. Plus, the local take on Kamala Harris’ first extended interview since becoming the presidential nominee. Joining Moderator Jim Hummel are Brown University Political Science Professor Wendy Schiller, Former State Representative Nick Gorham, and Paige Clausius-Parks of Rhode Island KIDS COUNT.